EXCLUSIVE PICS: Shipping Container Home Pops Up in NY

New York City is probably the last place anyone would expect to find a one-story, prefabricated, shipping container home, but lo-and-behold one of these little gems currently sits at the corner of Charles and Washington Street in the West Village. Designed by architects Jason Halter and Christos Marcopoulous, the 320 square foot MEKA Home (pronounced 'make-ah') is an incredible architectural gesture able to capture luxurious, modern living within an undemanding and unexpected construction. Certainly attractive, durable and sustainably built - with more than 70% of its materials recycled - one of the most outstanding features is that one of these modules runs at just a mere $100 per square foot!

Founder, Michael de Jong came up the idea for the MEKA after years of building luxury homes in Belize, hiring Jason Halter and Christos Marcopoulous for the design. Michael states, “Many prospective homeowners want to avoid the hassle, wait time and hidden costs of traditional construction. No one wants to wait a year and then find out the price of materials and laborers have increased by a third or more. No one wants to deal with unreliable contractors or builders.”

Eco-friendly and extremely flexible, each shipping container is paneled in cedar wood over a steel frame shipping container, with doubled glazed argon-filled windows, a bamboo interior, slate bathroom, and 100% cedar cladding. The home works well in an array of different environments and one side of the module can be opened up to create a deck. Moreover, they can be effortlessly transported and the modular system allows for eased expansion in the event the inhabitant’s space needs to grow. Solar power integration is also available for those interested in off-grid living.

this is so cool and the concept of the modular home at a low cost is incredible. i want to know how actually affordable it is. at least this is a step away from multi million dollar mansions.now with low cost like this or how low could it go there should be enough housing for everyone. right?

maxinnyFebruary 21, 2012 at 12:24 pm

IS IT LEGAL?
My question is about the legal and paperwork process. Can this home obtain a certificate of occupancy in NY, in Florida …, does it have a federal authorization to be build?

jparkesSeptember 21, 2011 at 9:03 pm

I am ready to move in! Local costs are different everywhere, perhaps thats why those costs cannot be given in an article that is at least national if not international. Zoning and permits have got to be a problem, this is a fairly new type of structure for the government employees to figure out, ihm…if they can. I would simply call it mobile and let them figure out wether or not the same codes apply. Never volunteer new concepts to a beurocrat!

ShawtyMarch 30, 2011 at 9:37 pm

I love this idea! People could live in affordable, safe and comfortable housing–housing that stands against the elements. Also, I’ve seen some nicely made exteriors to eliminate that usual container look.

Businesses can keep much more of its profits; safer schools can be made. (Upstate NY lost kids who were in the cafeteria when their school was hit by a horrendous hurricane.) Schools would save money and TEACHERS’ JOBS WOULD BE SAVED!!!! States would then have surpluses instead of blaming educators for money problems.

I see so much potential here. These containers could also be nicely made for the old fashioned alternative schools (boot camps for tough kids; reform schools for the difficultly behaved kids; boarding schools for various reasons; fine arts schools; etc.) and for kids’ safe, fun places. President Obama should seriously consider these containers’ potentials. The potentials are endless; jobs would be vast; savings will take place; etc. The US would do very well.

I’m just hyped about these things. BTW, where in lower county NY can these be used? NYC has so many eye-sores; open lots. Other NY areas have open lots, etc. where these containers can be artfully used. Sorry, but a building of containers with various outer paint colors doesn’t do it for me. NYC chic–now we’re talkin’.

…so…much…positive…potential!!!!

Daniel SokolDecember 14, 2010 at 11:38 am

Container homes really do perform well and have an excellent ROI. I wanted to so much that I built my own and now build them for other people (www.leedcabins.com). Cost per sq/ft can be palatable, option unlimted and the results outstanding. THE PROBLEM? Local zoning and planning boards.
Daniel Sokol, Leed Cabins

john simmisNovember 22, 2010 at 1:39 pm

If you are considering modular or prefab home, building with recycled shipping containers is worth taking a look at. There are many considerations that have contributed to the appeal of building with intermodal shipping containers – availability, standardization, the recycled/green factor, economy and speed of construction, their durability, and even their “elegance/grace”.

Good resource is the Residential Shipping Container Primer website. A SHOWCASE OF SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES AND BUILDINGDS, AND A DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) REFERENCE FOR CONVERTING RECYCLED INTERMODAL CARGO SHIPPING CONTAINERS INTO BUILDINGS AND ARCHITECTURE.

Lots of great example buildings, details, facts, and links to other articles. They have something new that you can setup your own project wiki to get help with your project if you are considering a design build project.

Yes, I greed with Matthew about the estimated expenses will be charged you on reasonable construction factors.

One of the best ideas to get priced out from modular manufacturer is tell us your “Floor Plan” for probably estimate cost.

Niran
Founder and CEO
Lifesbox Modular Buildings Thailand.

Matthew StannardNovember 18, 2010 at 4:55 pm

Agreed, whats included and not included in costs per square foot can make a difference of 100% or more. Factors to consider are Utilities, transport,installation, engineering, Architectural fees, permits etc.

Depending on where Modules are sited they can be no less expensive or up to 25% less expensive.

Matthew Stannard
Founder and CEO
Stillwater Dwellings

myrightfootNovember 17, 2010 at 2:45 pm

I certainly love the concept and look of this modular home. But, I have lots of doubt about how “affordable” it really is. Everytime I look into these types of “low-cost” modular homes it turns out that the land, foundation and building permits are not included in the square foot calculations. I’m sure $100 sf seems like a great deal on the surface, but with all the other necessary costs this unit could be well above $500 sf. That still might be great in NYC and SF, but everywhere else that might be very expensive.